The space race began in the 1950s, the world's great powers competed to reach farther and farther frontiers, mainly for political reasons related to the Cold War. From launching satellites into orbit to putting space stations into orbit, from the first man on the moon to conquer the Solar System. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left the first footprint on the Lunar surface, while Eugene Cernan, Ron Evans, and Harrison Schmitt were the last humans to leave Earth orbit in December 1972. To this day, the desire to return to the Moon continues, and more and more missions are being planned and completed for the grand return.